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Ethical Issues In The Declaration Of Independence

Decent Essays

The Declaration of Independence was formed resulting from the treatment of 13 colonies from the British government without representation after subsequent denials to be represented and treated equal. This historic document was revolutionary because it’s what began the transition of our government into a democracy unlike that of parliament in the 1700’s. The British government and their ruling made decisions that didn’t involve what was right for the people; only what was in the best economic interest of parliament. This caused significant hardships on the American colonies which eventually led to them coming together as a people and forming this declaration. The colonies that came together included Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, …show more content…

The colonist at that time had no representation in parliament therefore we were excluded from the benefits they provided. After requesting representation several times with rejection, they decided it was best to become a sovereign nation that would make decisions founded on the people’s needs. Subsequently reflecting on these experiences, the colonist heads drafted this document which ultimately became the first of its kind separating the colonies British rule and outlined the rights and grievances that they would have as a free Nation. One theory that I recall from my Philosophy studies is how Utilitarian ethical theories focus on what benefit the majority unlike that of parliament. I believe that the current laws that we live by are in line with that theory and has helped to make our Nation one of the most desirable to live. Because of this document, we are now a nation with equal opportunities for all and laws designed not to discriminate against any one set of people. Had we remained under British government, we would have continued to be subjected to decisions that negatively affected our economy. The declaration helps us as a Nation to have a better probability for economic growth because it declared that the people were to be represented and not just the interest of the

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